(Realistic) New Year’s Resolutions for Busy Moms

We are only a week into the new year, and all the buzz right now are new year’s resolutions. Let’s be honest – even if you are the type to completely dismiss the notion of a new year’s resolution (I am), it is interesting to note what drives people to change at the stroke of midnight. Statistically, only about 8% of Americans actually keep their resolutions for the year, so instead of making vast goals that do not fit our lifestyle or personality, how about keeping things realistic, such as:

* I plan to either lose five pounds or gain five pounds this year. As a mom of three whose weight has fluctuated after having her third, this keeps me in a good, healthy weight for my body. And either way, you’ve met a goal!

* I will not be learning a new craft this year. Sorry, sewing machine. You look snug and cozy up there in the attic, packed away. But this year is all about being who I am and loving what is going on currently. I don’t think this is the year to fit you in.

* I will be running approximately zero marathons this year. I am not a runner. Never will be. Come and cheer me on as I walk up from our barn or move our pig pen two feet to the left. Those are strenuous enough for me. Too bad they don’t give out medals for farming. But chasing your kids at the park, pushing your stroller up a steep hill, or making fifty trips from the van to the kitchen with grocery bags totally counts as exercise.

* I will not be drinking the recommended eight 8oz. glasses of water a day. I do not have gills. And my coffee totally counts as water. It is MADE with water.

* This year my phone will be gathering dust as I read more, pray more, and play more with friends. Your kids are super cute on Facebook, but even more precious in real life. Nothing compares to face to face interaction. Everyone needs community.

* I resolve NOT to change the core of who I am, but love the person I am becoming.

This year? Stop trying to change who you are. Be in love with all of the strengths you currently possess, and stop adding more stressful, unrealistic goals to your already full life. Let it go. This year is going to rock.

About christie elkins

Christie is a mother of 3, cop’s wife, and Junior Mint lover. She blogs at Letters From the Nest and is a columnist for her hometown newspaper, The LaFollette Press. Christie and her family reside in the Appalachian mountains of East Tennessee, where sweet tea is served at every meal and hospitality is second nature.

10 Responses to (Realistic) New Year’s Resolutions for Busy Moms

This is great!! Especially the “approximately zero marathons” part!! 🙂 I admit though, I will be trying to lose 40 pounds and I have pulled out my sewing machine so I can start my handmade business. But I guess they’re not really resolutions, just something I need to do.

After paying me a compliment that I basically refused to accept, the mother of one of my dearest friends told me “You need to be a gracious receiver, dear.” And I’ve never forgotten that. Compliments are indeed gifts and you would never slam someone’s gift to the floor or throw it out the window…unless you are my two year old then all bets are off:)

Love this Christie! I was just reading my devotion & saw a verse I’d never really ‘heard’ before…(which is a goal of mine, to ‘take time to take it all in’)! But it goes along with the accepting compliments! …with the ‘confidence’ that you’re a good mom!!!

‘Do not throw away your CONFIDENCE, which is a great REWARD’ Hebrews 10:35
How great is that! and it’s followed by …
‘For you have a NEED of ENDURANCE, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised’ Hebrews 10:36
REALLY?!?!? We’re SUPPOSE to have confidence!!! and we all know we have a NEED of endurance when we have kids!!!

This shows me that there’s a difference in Confidence & Pride!!! What a blessing!!!